Winter's Gift

Well winter finally came to town with some punch this past weekend with some brutally cold windchills.  It also provided me with the opportunity to see a bird I've longed to see but never had.  It's funny how sometimes one has to go "home"  to find a gift.  This past weekend I made the trek to my hometown to visit my brother, a life long friend and his parents.  The visit was perfect in so many ways.  My friend, Mike, asked if my brother and I wanted to take a ride to the beach to see if any Snowy Owls were around?  That was an easy one to answer, so we went for a little ride and were fortunate enough to spot two owls.  I took a ton of pictures and here a few that stood out.  I had a great time seeing everyone that I had an opportunity to visit with and as a bonus I got to visit with some other friends on the way home.  I feel grateful for the people that I have in my life  and the opportunity to see some of the gifts my hometown has to offer.